Merced/Mariposa/Oakhurst

[fiona88]

Almost there with my bookings and I've hit a bit of a wall:
We're collecting a car in SF approx 2:30pm and driving to Yosemite, supposedly 4-5hrs according to google. I don't fancy park entry, checking into housekeeping camp, finding our tent thing etc in the dark, so we've decided to do the first night in a hotel, then drive into the park early morning, still leaving us 2nights at housekeeping.

Initial plan was Oakhurst, but it looks like it adds about 1h total onto the journey and the south entrance apparently isn't as nice.

Then Mariposa became the main choice as it's 1h15 out, entering from the west, no detour from the general route. Thinking the Miners inn or Mariposa lodge both £120-130 for the night.

Then I spotted rooms in Merced for £50, at Days inn and similar, we'd be stopping here anyway for Walmart, so would that make more sense? It saves us money and is on the way, but it does mean a longer drive in the morning.

Has anyone done this before or have any reasons for/against this or the other locations?

[jdouds]

Hi have you looked at el portal , Yosemite view lodge. This would be further of course but 5 mins to park entrance and would then extend park time which you will love. As a prelude to your trip we would highly recommend you watch the film free solo and the dawn wall, these are to films about climbing El Capitan and when you arrive this will just blow your mind when you see what these guys have done.

[fiona88]

Originally Posted by jdouds

Hi have you looked at el portal , Yosemite view lodge. This would be further of course but 5 mins to park entrance and would then extend park time which you will love. As a prelude to your trip we would highly recommend you watch the film free solo and the dawn wall, these are to films about climbing El Capitan and when you arrive this will just blow your mind when you see what these guys have done.

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Sadly it's coming up either too expensive (£250)or weirdly sold out on other sites, it looks so nice too, thanks for the recommendations, will definitely check those out

[jdouds]

Hi again when you arrive in Yosemite we would suggest the valley floor tour . ( 2 hours ) this gives a great overview of the park letting you get your bearings along with some history and some good photo opportunities . Main things to do , Tioga pass, glacier point and a walk up vernal falls and down via the John Muir trail.

[minniemam]

We've booked Mariposa after deliberating for ages. We are staying in an AirBnB place in the town, paid £321 for 3 nights end May. Helps with the drive there & back from San Francisco too.